In this article
- Classes in English, Arabic and French
- Time Difference with Cairo
- Fitting Classes Around the School Week
- Sounds to Watch for German and French Speakers
- A Learning Path
- Tips for Parents
- Families Who Speak Arabic at Home
- Prices and Payment
- Your First Free Trial Class
- Start with a Free Trial Class
- Frequently Asked Questions
Muslim families in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Vienna, Graz, Linz and Salzburg often find that weekend mosque classes are far away or do not fit the school week. One-to-one online classes bring a certified teacher into your home by video. This guide explains how they fit family life in Switzerland and Austria.
Classes in English, Arabic and French
Classes at Elbayan Academy are taught in English, Arabic and French. We do not teach in German or Italian. They suit Arabic-speaking families, children in international schools, and adults who understand English. Young children who speak German can still learn to read the Quran, because the lesson is mainly listening, repeating and correction. Read teaching Quran to kids who speak German, French or Dutch at home.
Time Difference with Cairo
Switzerland and Austria use Central European Time, and Cairo is usually one hour ahead. For a few weeks in spring and autumn the clocks change on different dates, so the difference changes briefly. Classes run 24/7, and your teacher books lessons in your local time.
Fitting Classes Around the School Week
| Situation | Times that usually work |
|---|---|
| Free afternoons (common in Swiss primary schools on Wednesday) | Main lesson of the week |
| Schools that finish around midday or early afternoon (common in Austria) | Mid-afternoon, after lunch and homework |
| Children who come home for lunch | Avoid the short midday break; choose later |
| Weekends | Saturday or Sunday morning for review |
Timetables differ between cantons, states and schools, so choose the slot that fits your child’s own week. Two 30-minute classes a week is a good start.
Sounds to Watch for German and French Speakers
- خ: close to the German ch in “Bach”, which helps German speakers.
- ر: French speakers and many German speakers say r at the back of the throat, so it can sound like غ; the Arabic r is made with the tip of the tongue.
- ه: the French h is silent, so this letter is often dropped.
- ث and ذ: the “th” sounds, usually replaced with s, z, t or d.
- ع and ح: throat sounds that need careful practice.
- Heavy letters: ص, ض, ط, ظ and ق, read with the back of the tongue raised.
A Learning Path
- Reading: the Noor Al-Bayan course.
- Tajweed: the recitation and Tajweed course.
- Memorization: Quran Hifz classes for kids or online Hifz classes.
- Arabic: Arabic for kids or Arabic for adults.
Families who read the Warsh narration can continue with it; teachers teach both Warsh and Hafs. Sisters can choose a female teacher through our women’s program.
Tips for Parents
- Keep one fixed slot: the same day and time each week.
- Practise 10 minutes a day: short daily reading keeps progress steady.
- Use a headset: it helps the teacher hear every letter.
- Read the monthly report: it shows what to review at home.
Families Who Speak Arabic at Home
For Arabic-speaking families, the teacher can give the whole lesson in Arabic. This gives children daily practice in correct Arabic, not just the family dialect, while they study in German or French at school. Many families combine Quran classes with Arabic for kids, so reading, writing and understanding grow together.
Prices and Payment
A 30-minute one-to-one class costs $5. Plans are $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16, with 20% off annual plans and a 10% family discount. You can pay by PayPal, Visa, Mastercard or bank transfer. Prices are in US dollars, so your bank converts the amount to Swiss francs or euros when you pay by card.
Your First Free Trial Class
The first class is free and needs no payment. Message us on WhatsApp with your city, the student’s age and level. The teacher checks the student’s reading and suggests a plan.
See also our guide for Germany and France, or all guides by country.
Start with a Free Trial Class
Elbayan Academy teaches one-to-one, 30-minute online classes with certified teachers from Al-Azhar University, each holding an Ijazah with a connected Sanad. Female teachers are available, classes run 24/7, and you receive a monthly progress report. Plans are $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16. Book a free trial class on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are classes taught in German or French?
Classes are taught in French, English and Arabic, but not in German. Young children who speak German can still learn to read the Quran through listening, repetition and correction.
What is the time difference between Switzerland or Austria and Cairo?
Cairo is usually one hour ahead. Your teacher books classes in your local time.
When is the best time for classes?
Many families use a free school afternoon for the main lesson, with a short second lesson on another weekday or at the weekend.
What age can children start?
Children can start one-to-one classes from 6 years old.
How much do classes cost?
A 30-minute one-to-one class is $5. Plans are $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16, paid in US dollars.
